For those that do not know, Barna has been doing a “State of …” series with their surveying of churches to include State of Your Church, State of Pastors, Volume 1, State of Discipleship, and now the newest one, State of Pastors, Volume 2. If you haven’t been keeping up with them, I do not think you need to purchase all of the old documents, but this newest report is worth buying the physical copy or downloading digitally. From a mental health perspective within the Church, we want to share some essential highlights you need to see.
[Read more…] about Pastor Wellbeing in 2024The Steps To Serving EVERY Individual
Recently Joni and Friends shared a very powerful video on the topic of changing Church culture. From the standpoint of ministering to the world, I think it is easy to witness to those who want to hear, to those that look like us, and to those who the Church receives blessings of time and tithes.
- But what about those who the Church has to put lots of support into that are wheelchair bound or severely cognitively delayed?
- What about serving those who do not look like us or act like us and have made morally irreprehensible choices before they accepted Jesus and continue to suffer the earthly consequences of these decisions?
- What about those who we do not understand because of hidden disabilities like PTSD or developmental disabilities that make us uncomfortable like Autism?
Get To Know You Survey
I’ve had a dream for about a decade to get into some of the more nuanced areas of mental health and dove into the intersection of faith and mental health. But at the same time as starting that, I’ve also wanted to do more in mental health research and statistics. So today marks the start of our adventures into that research with regard to faith and mental health within an initial “Get To Know You” survey that you can take here. To sweeten the pot a little, we offer a limited-time promo code to get a free eBook upon completion.
(Note that this survey will remain open, but the promo code will expire on June 22, so go complete it today.)
[Read more…] about Get To Know You SurveyThrive & Cultivate 2024
Ministry is hard. Burnout is real. Caring for individuals and families and shepherding the flock is an around-the-clock job. Incorporating mental health into the topic of faith can also be difficult. Serving those who struggle with mental illness is an ever-evolving process. Thrive & Cultivate wants to address all of that.
Plus, I will be one of the keynote speakers, speaking on “How Pastors Can Respond To Depression.” Come check out my presentation and the rest of the presentations by signing up here.
[Read more…] about Thrive & Cultivate 2024Asian Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health awareness has gained significant traction in various communities worldwide in recent years. We have often covered the topic from different cultures, different age groups, and different developmental abilities.
However, within Asian cultures, discussions surrounding mental health often remain shrouded in silence and stigma. Asian Americans are the least likely racial group to take action on their mental health and are more likely to reach out to friends and family. As Christian counselors, it is crucial to address the unique challenges faced by Asian individuals in navigating mental health issues, especially within the context of the Church, where stigma can be particularly pronounced.
[Read more…] about Asian Mental Health Awareness MonthRecovery: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Christian counselors, pastors, and Christians are called to walk alongside struggling people by offering support, understanding, and hope. In our journey, we encounter individuals facing mental health and substance use disorders, often battling stigma and misunderstanding. However, one truth of recovery we must understand is that it is not easy. Quitting misusing substances, stopping suicidal ideation, and understanding what is reality and what is psychosis are only the beginning. That’s when the hard part begins.
[Read more…] about Recovery: Get Comfortable Being UncomfortableJoin Our Newsletter
In the profound journey of guiding souls towards spiritual growth and emotional healing, we understand the importance of a nurturing and supportive community. As fellow travelers on this sacred path, we are thrilled to extend an invitation to join our newsletter, specially crafted for Christian counselors and pastors like you.
[Read more…] about Join Our NewsletterProtecting Our Children – Child Abuse Awareness Month
As Christian counselors and pastors, we are deeply committed to the well-being of every individual, especially the most vulnerable among us—our children. April marks National Child Abuse Awareness Month, a time when we are called to action to protect our children from harm and bring light to what is hidden. Below we want to identify some statistics for church leaders as well as some actionable steps for you.
Note that we have other articles on preventing sexual abuse within the church, what the church’s response needs to be with regards to domestic violence, and what pastors should do when they witness any kind of abuse.
[Read more…] about Protecting Our Children – Child Abuse Awareness MonthEaster and Mental Health
“It’s Friday. But Sunday is Coming!”
I remember this being a phrase within the Christian world several years ago and a sermon going viral from S.M. Lockridge of the despair of Friday when Christ was crucified, but the hope is of Sunday to come. I’ll be honest, as a counselor for the broken, advocate for the voiceless, and therapist to those whose parenting and marriages feel unfixable, this story is a powerful reminder of the need for hope.
[Read more…] about Easter and Mental HealthPain Is Inevitable, Suffering Is A Choice
The title says it all, “Pain is inevitable, suffering is a choice.” This comment is one I use quite often with my clients who come in for services and struggle with suffering. It does not matter if the pain is something that they have caused because of their choices and their sins (we see this supported in Scripture in 1 Corinthians 11:30-32) or something that has happened to them because we live in a fallen world and other people’s sins affect us (also supported in Scripture in John 9:3; 2 Corinthians 12:8–9) But regardless if the pain is physical or emotional, it can be treated. (We recommend checking out our discussion on how Christians can treat pain and suffering in counseling here.)
Pain will happen. Everyone has experienced pain. It is inevitable. Suffering, though, is a choice.
[Read more…] about Pain Is Inevitable, Suffering Is A Choice